COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/F28/54 Horizontal Stabilizer Control Unit Bolts 4/88
Applicability: All aircraft.
Requirement: Ensure that the horizontal stabilizer control unit has been modified to incorporate the NAS 1303 bolts required by Menasco Service Bulletin No 27-76 Rev 3, rather than AN 3 bolts.
Note: Fokker F28 S B No 27-168 Rev 1, RLD AD 86-08, DGAC AD 86-111-IMP(B)
and FAA AD 87-18-01 all refer.
Compliance: Not later than 7 October 1988 and on each occasion on which the lock washer P/No 25011-1 is disturbed.
Note: Aircraft equipped with horizontal Stabilizer control units P/No 11100 (all dash numbers) which do not have S B 27-76 stamped on the nameplate are most likely to be affected. At delivery this included aircraft S/Nos 1003 to 11195, 11991 and 11992.
Background: Fatigue failures of certain bolts in the horizontal stabilizer control unit have occurred in service. This condition, combined with an in-flight hydraulic system failure, could add to uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer. Therefore a modification has been introduced which replaces the affected AN 3H3A bolts with stronger NAS 1303-2H bolt.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses issues pertaining to the airworthiness of Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, known as AD/F28/54, was enacted to address the problem of fatigue failures of certain bolts in the horizontal stabilizer control unit, which could potentially lead to uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer if coupled with an in-flight hydraulic system failure. The regulation was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with the aim of ensuring that all affected aircraft incorporate the NAS 1303 bolts as specified by Menasco Service Bulletin No 27-76 Rev 3, replacing the previously used AN 3 bolts. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with the requirement to complete the modification not later than 7 October 1988 and on each occasion the lock washer P/No 25011-1 is disturbed.
This directive highlights the commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation by addressing specific mechanical vulnerabilities in Fokker F28 aeroplanes. The regulation is a response to identified safety risks, ensuring that aircraft meet necessary safety requirements to prevent in-flight incidents. The policy objective is clearly to enhance the overall safety of air travel by mitigating risks associated with the structural integrity of critical components in aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This particular legislation pertains to Fokker F28 series aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the horizontal stabilizer control unit, ensuring it incorporates NAS 1303 bolts as specified in Menasco Service Bulletin No 27-76 Rev 3. The directive requires compliance by 7 October 1988 and on each occasion when the lock washer P/No 25011-1 is disturbed. Aircraft with horizontal stabilizer control units P/No 11100 (all dash numbers) not stamped with SB 27-76 on the nameplate, including those with serial numbers 1003 to 11195, 11991, and 11992, are most likely affected. This directive aims to address fatigue failures in certain bolts that could lead to uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer, thereby enhancing aviation safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety of Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives (AD). One such directive, AD/F28/54, mandates the modification of horizontal stabilizer control unit bolts (section 4/88). This directive applies to all aircraft of this series and requires the replacement of AN 3 bolts with NAS 1303 bolts as detailed in Menasco Service Bulletin No 27-76 Rev 3. The directive references several other documents including Fokker F28 S B No 27-168 Rev 1, RLD AD 86-08, DGAC AD 86-111-IMP(B), and FAA AD 87-18-01. The modification must be completed no later than 7 October 1988 and whenever the lock washer P/No 25011-1 is disturbed. Aircraft with specific horizontal stabilizer control units P/No 11100, which lack the stamp S B 27-76 on the nameplate, are particularly affected, including those with serial numbers 1003 to 11195, 11991, and 11992.
Operators of Fokker F28 Series Aeroplanes must adhere to these requirements to ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's standards. They must ensure that the modification to the horizontal stabilizer control unit is carried out using the specified NAS 1303 bolts instead of AN 3 bolts. This involves procuring the correct bolts and scheduling the necessary maintenance to perform the modification. Additionally, operators must maintain records of when the lock washer P/No 25011-1 is disturbed, ensuring that the modification is reapplied if necessary. Failure to comply with these directives could lead to non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/F28/54 can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict obligations on aircraft operators to ensure that the specified modifications are made in a timely and effective manner. Non-compliance with these directives can result in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required modifications are completed. In severe cases, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority may pursue legal action against the operator, which could include substantial fines or other penalties. Additionally, operators may face operational disruptions, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety risks if the directive is not followed. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements.